Jobs that require degree

I was looking through the job listings on indeed for NYC and 70% of entry level jobs such as help desk and desktop support technician required a degree in information technology, computer science or related field. Since I finished college with an unrelated major I don't know if I should apply to those jobs. Should I focus on the 30% that don't require a degree or should I also apply to the 70%? I don't want to limit my options but at the same time I don't want to waste my time if it is a lost cause. Have any of you received a job that required an IT degree with an unrelated major or no college degree?

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Comments

mikey88

I'm not too sure about NYC market, but from what I've seen, only upper level management roles will be strict on a degree requirements. Most lower level postings want a degree, experience, or a combination of both.

cyberguypr

I started IT in 1999 and had no degree. I finished my undergrad in 2012. Not having the degree was never an issue for every job that I held during those years. Does it restrict your chances? True in some cases. Is it a deal breaker? Not in every single case. I say apply away and see what happens. As said above, many places will take experience in lieu of a degree.

NetworkNewb

Apply apply apply. No way to know how lenient they are on it until you apply. I had a previous job where they required everyone to have a degree, and didn't care what the degree was in. Applying for a job usually doesn't take very long so can't imagine you would be wasting too much time. Not gonna give yourself even a tiny chance if you don't submit the resume.

networker050184

Apply anyway. Pretty much every job I've ever had 'required' a degree on the job posting.

Danielm7

NetworkNewb wrote: »

Apply apply apply.

/thread. Apply. You have a degree already, just apply, especially for entry level.

jelevated

Help Desk and entry level support looking for a Computer Science grad? Say whut?

Don't think they know what they're looking for.

mzx380

I can speak on this one since I'm in that market. I say that you should roll the dice and apply for any and all jobs that you find interesting. The thing about NY is that there are a wealth of candidates to choose from and the technical degree is simply a way of sifting through applications. Ultimately, your work experience is what will get you the job so if you want a mid-senior level position, then your experience should reflect that.

If you have no degree or experience, start cert-ing up to get that coveted first job so you can begin that journey.
Hope that helps

denis92

Thanks everyone! I'll just apply

denis92

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelor's from there as well?

denis92

mzx380 wrote: »

I can speak on this one since I'm in that market. I say that you should roll the dice and apply for any and all jobs that you find interesting. The thing about NY is that there are a wealth of candidates to choose from and the technical degree is simply a way of sifting through applications. Ultimately, your work experience is what will get you the job so if you want a mid-senior level position, then your experience should reflect that.

If you have no degree or experience, start cert-ing up to get that coveted first job so you can begin that journey.
Hope that helps

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelors also from there

mzx380

denis92 wrote: »

Has anyone given you a hard time about your degree from wgu in ny? Is your bachelors also from there

My BS: CS was from a B&M University in NY years ago. From experience, I can tell you that landing that first job here is tough and I had to rely on my limited IT work experience (after I got out of school) and my degree to land that first support job. From there it was all about building my experience at each subsequent job. Since I was already in the market for years, I decided to complete my MBA last year and figured WGU was the way to to go. I've not had a chance to test it out yet but can tell you that you should look at your formal IT education as a side dish, your experience is the entree.

Hope that helps

awitt11

If you have a B.S/B.A. in an unrelated field, supplement that with a relevant cert. A degree shows you can stick with a study program and the cert will show your knowledge of technology.

volfkhat

*gasp*

It's as if there's some nebulous College Industrial Complex at work, that demands we MUST get a degree in order to hold any entry-level job...